Level Up this Spring with Student Life

Student in mask looking at instructor while on laoptopLooking for ways to maintain your good momentum this spring? Prioritize your development and take this opportunity to improve your future leadership skills. Join Student Life for a new virtual leadership series called Level Up.

This free program will connect you with other Central Piedmont students, offer you the opportunity to develop and practice important skills in inclusion, personal development, professionalism, and communication – all things that will enhance your  impact as a member of the student leader community at Central Piedmont and beyond! 

The sessions will be informative, interactive, and fun! Space is limited, so be sure to complete the online registration form form by January 21, 2021. This virtual series will meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month (3 pm – 4:40 p.m.) until April 2021. 

Don’t wait – the first program date is Wednesday, January 27 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., and remaining program dates are February 24, March 24 and April 28. 

It’s so important to your personal development to stay connected. Engage with other student leaders every month – all you need is a mobile device or computer access. For your participation, you will receive a certificate acknowledging successful completion of all four sessions, which is a benefit to your resume or portfolio. 

Questions? Contact Student.Life@cpcc.edu.We can’t wait to help you level up this spring!

2021 MLK Challenge LIVE Moderated Dialogue with Bree Newsome

headshot of Bree Newson next to MLK challenge loveJoin Service-Learning virtually for the 17th annual MLK Challenge on Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended in-person service; however, we will host a special guest speaker, Bree Newsome – “Tearing Hatred From The Sky: A Moderated Dialogue.”

Following the brutal murder of nine black parishioners at Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, S.C., Bree climbed the flagpole at the South Carolina statehouse and pulled down the Confederate Battle flag as a protest against racist symbolism. Her arrest galvanized public opinion and led to the permanent removal of the flag.  As a recognized and celebrated voice on the topics of injustice and racial discrimination, Bree brings to light the importance of leadership development in building and sustaining social movements.

Join us to listen to Bree’s experience, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and be inspired to serve our community.

Want to ask Bree a question? Email Jesse.Bennett@cpcc.edu by January 19. A select amount of questions will be chosen for an audience Q&A.

Advanced registration is not required – join us live on January 20.

New Year, New Experiences with Campus Activities Board (CAB)

students sitting and standing in CAB branded t-shirts

Happy 2021 Central Piedmont students!

 The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is excited for a new year of learning and fun. CAB offers a variety of free programs and activities by students – for students. We value the importance of peer to peer connection outside of the classroom; so, we have worked diligently to transition our offerings online. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for event updates, giveaways, and more! 

 If you are interested in becoming a member of CAB,  apply today! Applications are open to all Central Piedmont students, regardless of campus. Membership is limited, so don’t wait. The application deadline is January 22, 2021, by 5 pm. If you have any questions, contact our advisor, Bryan.Mobley@cpcc.edu

 Additionally, you’re invited to attend our General Board meeting, held each Friday at 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Have a great semester and Happy New Year, 

The Campus Activities Board

 

Lead With a Purpose: Emerging Student Leaders Program Accepting Applications

Emerging student leaders gold and teal logoNow is the time for leaders who lead with integrity and create positive change. If you want to increase your leadership knowledge and enhance your skills, the Emerging Student Leaders Program was designed just for you.

 Emerging Student Leaders is a six-week, transformational student leadership development training program. Through self-awareness, team building, values, and communication development activities, the program will prepare you to identify and build your leadership skills, define your purpose, and create a network of support amongst fellow students and across Central Piedmont. For completing the program, you receive a certificate and a badge to include on your social media.

Two cohort groups of Emerging Leaders will be offered in Spring 2021:

  • January 26 through March 2
    • Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
  • * January 28 through March 4
    • Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

All great leaders must first possess the ability to lead themselves in order to lead others. ​Apply Today!

The application deadline is Friday, January 22.

Order Online, Pick Up In-Store – Barnes and Nobles Bookstores Open for Spring

image of bookstore entrance

As the semester starts, now is the perfect time to get prepared for classes by ordering you textbooks and materials. All (6) six of the Central Piedmont Bookstores will re-open on January 4, 2021 for in-person shopping. All textbook purchases are to be placed online, but all other items can be purchased online or in the store.

All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Levine, Cato, Harris, Harper and Merancas bookstores will only have books for pick up for the classes that are on their respective campuses. All other pickups should be made at Central Campus.

Store pickup is available for all locations, but only Cato and Central Campus are offering curbside from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bookstore location at Merancas will be in the new Merancas IV building.

To see its location, view the Merancas Campus map.

If you need assistance, here are some important resources to help:

Online Ordering:

  • The bookstore will process all textbook orders as quickly as possible, and all student orders will be processed in the manner in which they were received.
  • Please allow 5 business days for processing and then your shipping method will apply.
  • To cancel your order please provide the order number to be cancelled when emailing the request.

Online Instructions:

Important Information:

For the fastest response to questions, please contact the bookstore by email at: bookstore@cpcc.edu or visit the Barnes & Noble website.

You may also leave a message at: 704-330-2722 x3699 and a staff member will return your call.

Spring 2021 Return to Campus Guide

picture behind Weiss building showing open sidewalkWhether your classes are online, completely in-person, or a mixture of both, the college is committed to providing a safe environment for our students to learn this spring semester. All Central Piedmont students are expected to follow the protocols and practices outlined in the Student Guide for Returning to Campus. These have been put in place to keep all of us safe while on campus.

By working together – wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, washing our hands frequently, staying home if we feel ill, and keeping our campus spaces clean – we can make the resumption of on-campus classes a success while keeping everyone safe.

Please take the time to read the guide carefully before returning to campus for scheduled classes. 

Keep in mind, the majority of students should not come to campus on January 11 – please check with your instructor or review the step-by-step instructions to determine if and when your class meets on campus.

 

Top Things To Know Before Starting Classes This Spring

students walking with masks while on campusThe start of a new semester can be hectic. Whether this is your first semester, or you’re continuing your course plan – your success is our top priority. Familiarize yourself with the college’s student support services which are available to support you this semester.

Here’s a list of key things you need to know to help you get started at Central Piedmont this spring.

Central Piedmont Cares

The college has established the Central Piedmont Cares initiative to connect directly with you and to make sure you receive the help you need.

Visit the Central Piedmont Cares website for information regarding available resources. If you need assistance beyond what you find there, you can fill out a request for student support. Once we get your request, a Central Piedmont staff member will reach out to you within 24 hours during standard college hours of operation (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

New Merancas IV Building Opens for Spring Term

entrance to Merancas IV buildingCentral Piedmont is excited to announce Merancas IV, a new classroom building on its Merancas Campus in Huntersville, N.C., will open its doors for select in-person courses in January 2021.

The new 67,660 square-foot facility, designed by ADW Architects and constructed by Rodgers, features:

  • a campus library, including a computer classroom and Student Technology Center
  • four science labs
  • nine general classrooms
  • Middle College at Merancas Campus classrooms and offices
  • reading and math labs
  • student commons areas, including multi-purpose rooms, Student Government Association lounge and offices
  • student study and lounge areas
  • a campus administration office suite
  • faculty office areas

“One of Central Piedmont’s core values is being student-centered and focused on student success,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “With this in mind, our new facility will help us better serve our students by providing them with additional spaces to not only study and learn, but also to engage with their peers and grow their leadership skills through our many Student Life programs and Student Government initiatives.”

The $27.5 million project was funded with Mecklenburg County 2013 Bonds.

Please note if you’re a new or returning student, who is not sure if you have a class in the new facility, the building will be listed as “Merancas IV” in your schedule.

To see its location, view the Merancas Campus map.

Virtual Session: Top Ten Things You Need to Know Before Starting Class

student looking at laptop in the classroom with central Piedmont face mask onStarting at Central Piedmont for the first time? Still have questions about how to navigate your first semester?

Get help at our virtual “Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting at Central Piedmont” event, hosted by members of our Outreach and Recruitment team on Saturday, January 9.

We’ll help answer your questions, like:

  • how to order your books from the bookstore
  • where to find support when you need it
  • how to pay your bill
  • and more

You do not need to sign up or register in advance — at the time of the session you want to join, simply select the link for that session. Learn more about the available sessions today!

You’ll get a Central Piedmont t-shirt for attending. This event is open to new Central Piedmont students only. Apply to the college now.

How can I tell If I need to report to campus this spring?

teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptopsSpring semester classes will begin on January 11, and be taught in multiple formats – online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face.

Although the majority of classes will be taught online, hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.

To determine if your classes are online, a mixture of online and in-person, or completely in-person, follow these steps:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term at the top of this page says ‘Spring 2021.’
  5. Click on the ‘Print’ button.

This page will give you the clearest view of how your class will be delivered. You can print, print to PDF, or screen capture the schedule from a phone. Please note:

  • In the ‘Location’ column, if you only see ONLINE for that section, there will be no on-campus instruction.
  • If you see only campus buildings and rooms, that class will only meet in-person at the location(s) listed.
  • If you see both ONLINE and a campus building and room, that class will have a mixture of in-person and online instruction.

Also, please note that even with in-person classes you will have limited in-person meeting times. To find out:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term  says ‘Spring 2021.’
  5. In the “Meeting Information” section, you may have both in-person dates as well as online dates. This means you are in a hybrid or blended course.
  6. Select the course title. Learn more about the course in the “Additional Information” section.

Get Prepared for the New Year with Career Services

Despite social distancing, the end of the year is still a great opportunity to build connections that elevate your career. With so many people working and attending school virtually, people are easier to contact online than ever before. Check out this short video ​to learn quick tips like these:

  • Put together a nice holiday/New Year’s message to touch base with your network, like former instructors, coworkers, and supervisors
  • Ask your network for names of people you should know
  • Develop your LinkedIn profile (see page 8 in the Career Guide)
  • Reach out to professionals doing what interests you for a virtual informational interview or brief chat about their career journey

Want to know more?

New Cashiering On-Campus Office Hours

smiling female student sitting across from man in a suitEffective January 4, 2021 – January 15, 2021: Central Piedmont Cashiering Offices at all 6 campuses will be open from the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 5:00pm on Friday.

Business Office services remain available online, via email, and via telephone.

To view and pay your balance, please log in to MyCollege and select “Student Finance” to review your Account Summary, or to make a Payment.

2020 – A year in review (VIDEO)

students walking with masks while on campusWhat a year it’s been! We are proud of the many ways we’ve come together as one college to support each other. We are awed by your tenacity and persistence. We are grateful you continue to be part of the Central Piedmont family.

We hope you’ll take a moment to reflect and enjoy this “Central Piedmont 2020 year in review” video from the college’s social media manager, Zach Claywell.

We look forward to seeing you – and being part of your successes – in 2021.

Have a Safe Winter Break!

photo of snow on campusYou made it to the last month of a very challenging and unpredictable year! Central Piedmont wants you to have a safe and enjoyable winter break. Whether you are taking a winter session class or laying low this holiday season, we are still here to support you with whatever you need.

Here are some resources to help you:

  • Financial Aid Needs : There are scholarships for spring 2021 and grants available if they need help with paying for classes. 
  • Personal Needs: We have Emergency Grants available for unexpected financial emergencies.
  • Basic Needs: The Single Stop office is  available online or by phone to help connect  students to a variety of basic needs resources.
  • Technology Needs: Students can borrow laptops and WiFi hotspots for the spring 2021 semester at no cost
  • Academic/Emotional Needs: The Counseling Services team is available by email, phone, or video appointments to help   students with personal and academic counseling. 
  • College Services Needs: Our campus services and resources are still accessible remotely for our students.
Central Piedmont is currently (and safely) offering courses in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and in-person. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) Central Piedmont continues to follow the state’s in-person guidelines that apply to higher education.
If you still need to take core classes or required courses for your major, we are dedicated to making sure you can keep going. The college will be closed Dec. 24 — Jan. 1 for the winter holiday — but online registration will still be available online.

How Do I Find My Financial Aid Counselor?

counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenEvery student has an assigned Financial Aid Specialist. While you are not obligated to interact only with your assigned specialist, your specialist will usually know your file best, and when you always contact the same specialist, this only becomes even more true.

In MyCollege, your assigned Central Piedmont Financial Aid Specialist is displayed on the bottom of the page when you first log in to Financial Aid Self-Service under “Financial Aid Counselor”:

financial aid counselor screenshot in MyCollege

Next to your specialist’s name will be his or her phone number and extension as well a  direct link to his or her email.

When communicating with Financial Aid via email, you must always use your Central Piedmont student email. Central Piedmont Financial Aid will not send updates and messages to non-Central Piedmont email addresses and will not be able to fully respond to emails sent from personal email accounts.

Using your Central Piedmont email account protects your personal information and allows us to serve you better.

Spring 2021 Parking Decals Not Required for Spring Semester

picture behind Weiss building showing open sidewalkIn consideration of COVID-19, students are not required to display a Spring 2021 parking decal for the duration of the spring term. Tickets will not be issued to students who must return to campus for in-person instruction during this time.

Keep in mind, parking will still be enforced so be mindful of marked signage  — spaces that require a handicap permit, visitor spaces, and designated maintenance vehicle or administration spaces — while on campus.

Here are the latest Central Campus parking updates (please see the Central Campus map for locations of parking decks and lots):

Parking Decks:

  • Central Campus parking deck #1 –  1321 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #2 – 1108 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #3 – 1345 E. 4th St.
  • Central Campus parking deck #4 – 1225 E. 4th St.

Parking Deck # 2: The elevator in this parking deck is currently offline and students and employees must access the stairwell.

Parking Deck / Lot Availability: With all four parking decks open, in addition to multiple surface lots, there should be plenty of parking to accommodate students and employees. Students may not park in the SunTrust bank lot or risk having your car towed.

Also, please be aware there are construction and maintenance projects on most Central Piedmont campuses – particularly Central Campus – that could cause issues. Please use caution when driving near campus, looking out for pedestrians and people riding bikes and scooters. Local businesses strictly enforce towing.

Download the Central Piedmont app for iPhone or Android to see all campus maps or for more specific information – and follow #cpccparking on Twitter for the most recent parking info.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Piedmont Information Center at 704.330.2722 (CPCC).

Have a great semester!

Central Piedmont Receives $500,000 Grant from JPMorgan Chase

four students standing around cyber equipment in classroomCentral Piedmont Community College received more than $700,000 from JPMorgan Chase to meet community needs for economically mobile career pathways and pandemic-related relief. A $500,000 grant will help the college develop new, fully online training pathways in high-demand IT fields, including cybersecurity, health IT and forensic accounting. The funds will provide for course development, instructional capacity, technology and student support services.

In addition, JPMorgan Chase will extend a second grant of $235,000 to Central Piedmont to provide sub-grants to 11 Mecklenburg County non-profit organizations that are serving populations severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds will help them meet increased demands for services like housing, food, healthcare, legal assistance and technology among the Charlotte area’s most vulnerable populations.

“When JPMorgan Chase comes to a city, one of the first things we do is identify community partners that will help us not only connect with the community, but actually make a long-term and sustainable impact on its residents and their economic mobility. We found a partner in Central Piedmont Community College,” said Dekonti Mends-Cole, vice president of corporate responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. “Central Piedmont does not just educate students; it also identifies the needs of the surrounding community and provides the tools and the programs to address them. We’re pleased to partner with the college to help the residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County thrive.”

These two grants are the latest in a history of support JPMorgan Chase has provided Central Piedmont. Since 2014, JPMorgan Chase has invested approximately $1.6 million in the college to support multiple programs, including truck driver training, electrical vehicle technology training, global logistics and distribution, and a customized training program for workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Approximately 525 students have earned credentials though these programs.

“What an incredible blessing it is to be included in a partnership with JPMorgan Chase, Central Piedmont and 10 other nonprofits to help people in need in our community. At Loaves & Fishes, we see the faces of children, families and seniors here in our community who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. It fills my heart to know this funding will help to ensure everyone in need will have a full plate for the days, weeks and months to come,” said Tina Postel, executive director of Loaves & Fishes.

“JPMorgan Chase understands well and supports generously Central Piedmont’s mission of helping students achieve career success and greater economic mobility by providing pathways to skills training that is relevant in our global economy,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “JPMorgan Chase is a true partner and leader in this community’s work to ensure a greater number of our neighbors get the opportunity and support to build family-sustaining careers. The college and Charlotte region are blessed to have such an intuitive and responsive partner like JPMorgan Chase.”

Advisory: Statewide curfew to take effect Dec. 11

orange graphic COVID 19N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper has issued a curfew for North Carolinians and businesses, effective Friday, Dec. 11.

The “modified stay-at-home order” will require people to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and most retail and entertainment businesses to close by 10 p.m. All on-site alcohol sales are required to end by 9 p.m., Cooper said.

Travel to and from work, to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services, or to take care of a family member is exempted from the curfew.

The governor said the move is to limit gatherings and to slow the spread of coronavirus. “We will do more if our trends do not improve,” Cooper said.

The modified stay-at-home order will remain in place until at least Jan. 8.

According to the Governor’s executive order, between Nov. 21 and Dec. 4, more than three-fourths of North Carolina counties were experiencing “substantial” or “critical” spread COVID-19 community spread, based on the new County Alert System developed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

The college encourages all community members to stay vigilant in maintaining all of our safety practices. Please keep wearing a facemask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and monitoring yourself for any possible COVID-19 symptoms. Should you develop any symptoms or feel ill at all, please stay home and consult a physician.

Bookstores Re-opening January 2021

image of bookstore entranceAll (6) six of the Central Piedmont Bookstores will re-open on January 4, 2021. All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All textbook purchases are to be placed online, but all other items can be purchased online or in the store.

Store pickup is available for all locations, but Cato and Central Campus only are offering curbside from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bookstore location at Merancas will be in the new Merancas IV building.

To see its location, view the Merancas Campus map.

If you need assistance, here are some important resources to help:

Online Ordering:

  • The bookstore will process all textbook orders as quickly as possible, and all student orders will be processed in the manner in which they were received.
  • Please allow 5 business days for processing and then your shipping method will apply.
  • To cancel your order please provide the order number to be cancelled when emailing the request.

Online Instructions:

Important Information:

For the fastest response to questions, please contact the bookstore by email at: bookstore@cpcc.edu or visit the Barnes & Noble website.

You may also leave a message at: 704-330-2722 x3699 and a staff member will return your call.

Register now for spring 2021 — Keep going! We can help.

Take core classes or required courses for your major — whatever you need — please let us help you stay on track with your goals this spring. teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptops

Central Piedmont is currently (and safely) offering courses in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and in-person. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) Central Piedmont continues to follow the state’s in-person guidelines that apply to higher education.

Career and academic support services are available online to help you reach your goals. There are also scholarship funds available to help you complete your program.

Don’t wait any longer – register today to build the schedule you want. The college will be closed Dec. 24 — Jan. 1 for the winter holiday — online registration will still be available — so let us help you now. Here’s how:

  1. Check in with a Central Piedmont advisor to plan your schedule online.
  2. Talk to a financial aid counselor to apply for and pay your tuition with a scholarship, a grant, or emergency funds.
  3. Download the Central Piedmont app to register and access services, your schedule, and financial aid.

Classes begin Jan. 11 —  visit the registration page for more information.